Oven appliance

ABSTRACT

An oven appliance with a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly includes a casing, an elongated member at least partially positioned within the casing and a roller mounted to the elongated member. The latch assembly can include various features for reducing wear between components of the latch assembly, for limiting or preventing damage to adjacent wiring and/or for reducing noise generated by the latch assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to oven appliance, such as French door oven appliances, and latch assemblies for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oven appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a cooking chamber for receipt of food articles for cooking and an opening for accessing the cooking chamber. Certain oven appliances include a pair of doors rotatably mounted to the cabinet at the opening to permit selective access to the cooking chamber through the opening. Oven appliances having such doors are generally referred to as French door style oven appliances.

French door style oven appliances generally include a gasket extending between the doors and the cabinet at the opening of the cabinet when the doors are in a closed position. The gasket can assist with insulating the cooking chamber and/or with containing cooking fumes within the cooking chamber. To keep the doors compressed against the gasket, certain French door style oven appliances include a latch assembly that holds the doors in the closed position. Such latch assemblies can suffer certain shortcomings.

Latch assemblies generally include components that rub against each other during latching operations. Such rubbing can gouge, scratch or otherwise wear on the components and can affect a reliability of the latch assemblies. Further, an associated oven appliance's cosmetic appearance and/or perceived quality can be affected by such wearing. Latch assemblies are also generally positioned within the cabinet adjacent wiring or other control components. During motion of the latch assembly, components of the latch assembly can rub against or pinch such wiring, and the wiring can be damaged. Motion of the latch assemblies can be noisy as well.

Accordingly, a latch assembly for an oven appliance with features for reducing wear between components of the latch assembly would be useful. In addition, a latch assembly for an oven appliance with features for limiting or preventing damage to adjacent wiring would be useful. Further, a latch assembly for an oven appliance with features for reducing noise generated by the latch assembly would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides an oven appliance that includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a casing, an elongated member at least partially positioned within the casing and a roller mounted to the elongated member. The latch assembly can include various features for reducing wear between components of the latch assembly, for limiting or preventing damage to adjacent wiring and/or for reducing noise generated by the latch assembly. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a cooking chamber. A pair of doors is mounted to the cabinet. A roller latch assembly includes a casing. An elongated member is at least partially positioned within the casing. The elongated member extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. A roller is mounted to the elongated member at the first end portion of the elongated member. The roller engages one of the pair of doors when the pair of doors is in a closed position. A bearing sleeve is positioned on the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member such that the bearing sleeve is positioned between the elongated member and the casing at the second end portion of the elongated member.

In a second exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a cooking chamber. A pair of doors is mounted to the cabinet. A roller latch assembly includes a casing. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. A threaded member is at least partially positioned within the casing. The threaded member extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the threaded member is positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the casing. The second end portion of the threaded member is positioned adjacent the top portion of the casing. A roller is mounted to the threaded member at the first end portion of the threaded member. The roller engages one of the pair of doors when the pair of doors is in a closed position. A nut is threaded onto the threaded member at the second end portion of the threaded member. A guard is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. The guard at least partially encloses the second end portion of the threaded member and the nut.

In a third exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a cooking chamber. A pair of doors is mounted to the cabinet. A roller latch assembly includes a casing mounted to the cabinet or one of the pair of doors. A dampening element is positioned between the casing and the cabinet where the casing is mounted to the cabinet or where the casing is mounted to the one of the pair of doors. An elongated member is at least partially positioned within the casing. The elongated member extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. A roller is mounted to the elongated member at the first end portion of the elongated member. The roller engages the one of the pair of doors when the pair of doors is in a closed position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an oven appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a side, section view of the exemplary oven appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a partial section view of certain components of the exemplary oven appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a roller latch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the exemplary roller latch assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a section view of the exemplary roller latch assembly of FIG. 4 taken along the 6-6 line of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 provides another perspective view of the exemplary roller latch assembly of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an oven appliance 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Cabinet 12 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions V, L, and T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Cabinet 12 extends between a top portion 40 and a bottom portion 42 along the vertical direction V.

Oven appliance 10 includes an insulated cabinet 12 with an interior surface 25 that defines a cooking chamber 14. Cooking chamber 14 is configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. Oven appliance 10 also includes a pair of doors 16 rotatably mounted on cabinet 12 proximate an opening 15 to chamber 14 defined by cabinet 12. Thus, oven appliance 10 is sometimes referred to as a French door style oven appliance. Doors 16 are configured for selectively shifting between an open position or configuration shown in FIG. 1 in which a user can access cooking chamber 14 and a closed position or configuration shown in FIG. 2 in which the user is impeded from accessing cooking chamber 14 by doors 16. Handles 18 are attached to doors 16 and assist with shifting doors 16 between the open and closed positions.

One or more gaskets 20 between doors 16 and cabinet 12 provide for maintaining heat and cooking fumes within chamber 14 when doors 16 are in the closed position as shown in FIG. 2. Glass panes 22 provide for viewing the contents of chamber 14 when doors 16 are in the closed position as well as providing insulation between chamber 14 and the exterior of oven appliance 10. A rack 24 is positioned in chamber 14 for the receipt of food items. Rack 24 is slidably received onto ribs/rails 26 such that rack 24 may be conveniently moved into and out of chamber 14 when doors 16 are open. Multiple rails 26 are provided so that the height of rack 24 may be adjusted.

Heating elements 28 and 30 are positioned within chamber 14 of cabinet 12. Heating elements 28 and 30 are used to heat chamber 14 for both cooking and cleaning of oven appliance 10. The operation of oven appliance 10 including heating elements 28 and 30 is controlled by one or more processing devices (not shown) such as a microprocessor other device that is in communication with such components. User manipulated controls 29 on control panel 31 allow the user to make selections regarding temperature, time, and other options. The selections can be communicated to the processing device for operation of oven appliance 10. Such processing device is also in communication with a temperature sensor 32 that is used to measure temperature inside chamber 14. Although only one temperature sensor 32 is shown, it should be understood that multiple sensors can be placed within oven appliance 10 for determining the oven temperature.

Oven appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Thus, the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable oven appliance configuration. For example, the present subject matter may be used in oven range appliances or in oven appliances that define multiple interior cavities for the receipt of food and/or have different pan or rack arrangements than the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Heating elements at the top, back, or sides of chamber 14 may also be provided, and a variety of different types of heating elements such as microwave, halogen, gas fuel, electrical resistance, and combinations thereof may be used. Other configurations may also be used as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 provides a partial section view of certain components of oven appliance 10. As may be seen in FIG. 3, oven appliance 10 includes a roller latch assembly 100. Roller latch assembly 100 includes features for holding or maintaining doors 16 in the closed position and, e.g., compressing gaskets 20 between doors 16 and cabinet 12. In particular, as discussed in greater detail below, roller latch assembly 100 includes strike plate 102 and a first roller 130. Strike plate 102 is mounted or fixed to one of doors 16. For example, strike plate 102 may be positioned, e.g., directly, below first roller 130 when doors 16 are in the closed position.

First roller 130 engages strike plate 102 on the one of doors 16 when doors 16 are in the closed position. By engaging strike plate 102, first roller 130 hinders or prevents undesired opening of doors 16. From the position shown in FIG. 3, a user can pull on one of doors 16 to open doors 16. Such action can move door 16 and cause first roller 130 to move upwardly on strike plate 102 until strike plate 102 passes from underneath roller latch assembly 100 and doors 16 can rotate freely.

Strike plate 102 and first roller 130 can be constructed to limit wear between strike plate 102 and first roller 130, e.g., when first roller 130 rolls on or impacts strike plate 102. For example, strike plate 102 may be constructed of or with a first material, and first roller 130 may be constructed of or with a second material. The first material may be harder than the second material. In particular, the first material may be stainless steel, such as Type 301, half hard stainless steel, and the second material may be bronze, such as Type 630 nickel aluminum bronze. Thus, strike plate 102 may be constructed with a harder material than first roller 130. In such a manner, wear damage between strike plate 102 and first roller 130 can be limited or reduced. Further, gouging or scratching of strike plate 102 due to contact with first roller 130 can be limited or reduced.

Roller latch assembly 100 can be positioned at any suitable location on or within cabinet 12. For example, at shown in FIG. 3, roller latch assembly 100 may be positioned at or adjacent control panel 31. Thus, roller latch assembly 100 may be positioned at or adjacent top portion 40 of cabinet 12, and strike plate 102 may be mounted to a top surface of one of doors 16. In alternative exemplary embodiments, roller latch assembly 100 may be positioned at or adjacent bottom portion 42 of cabinet 12, and strike plate 102 may be mounted to a bottom surface of one of doors 16. In other alternative exemplary embodiments, roller latch assembly 100 may be positioned within one of doors 16, and strike plate 102 may be mounted to cabinet 12.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of roller latch assembly 100. FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of roller latch assembly 100. It should be understood that roller latch assembly 100 can be used in any suitable oven appliance. Thus, while described in the context of oven appliance 10, roller latch assembly 100 is not limited to use in any particular oven appliance configuration or arrangement.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, roller latch assembly 100 includes a casing 110, an elongated or threaded member 120 and a nut 140. Casing 110 is mountable to cabinet 12, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3. In particular, casing 110 includes brackets 118. Fasteners (not shown) may extend through brackets 118 into cabinet 12 in order to assist with mounting casing 110 to cabinet 12. In alternative exemplary embodiments, casing 110 may be mounted to cabinet 12 with adhesive, welding, etc.

Casing 110 defines an interior 112 (FIG. 6). Casing 110 also extends between a top portion 114 and a bottom portion 116, e.g., along the vertical direction V. A first opening 152 is defined by casing 110 at top portion 114 of casing 110, and a second opening 154 is defines by casing 110 at bottom portion 116 of casing 110. Interior 112 extends between first and second opening 114 and 116 within casing 110.

Threaded member 120 is at least partially positioned or disposed within interior 112 of casing 110. Threaded member 120 extends between a first end portion 122 and a second end portion 124, e.g., along the vertical direction V. First end portion 122 of threaded member 120 is positioned at or adjacent bottom portion 116 of casing 110 and second opening 154 of casing 110. Second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 is positioned at or adjacent top portion 114 of casing 110 and first opening 152 of casing 110.

First roller 130 is mounted to threaded member 120 at first end portion 122 of threaded member 120. In particular, threaded member 120 includes a hitch 134 at first end portion 122 of threaded member 120. First roller 130 and a second roller 132 are rotatably mounted to hitch 134 with axles 136 at first end portion 122 of threaded member 120.

Roller latch assembly 100 also includes a biasing member 142. Biasing member 142 is positioned within interior 112 of casing 110. Biasing member 142 engages threaded member 120 and urges first end portion 122 of threaded member 120 and first roller 130 towards the one of doors 16 when doors 16 are in the closed position. Biasing mechanism 142 can be any suitable mechanism for urging first end portion 122 of threaded member 120 and first roller 130 towards the one of doors 16 when doors 16 are in the closed position. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, biasing mechanism 142 may be a helical spring. As another example, biasing mechanism 142 may be a gas spring or an elastic band.

Nut 140 is threaded onto threaded member 120 at second end portion 124 of threaded member 120. Nut 140 rests on or impacts casing 110 at top portion 114 of casing 110 and first opening 152 of casing 110. A position of nut 140 on threaded member 120 is adjustable, e.g., by rotating nut 140 on threaded member 120, in order to change a vertical height of first roller 130. For example, by rotating nut 140 in a first rotational direction on threaded member 120, a distance between nut 140 and first roller 130, e.g., along the vertical direction V, can be reduced. Conversely, by rotating nut 140 in a second opposite rotational direction on threaded member 120, the distance between nut 140 and first roller 130, e.g., along the vertical direction V, can be increased. In such a manner, a travel of first roller 130, e.g., along the vertical direction V, can be adjusted.

Roller latch assembly 100 also includes a bushing or bearing sleeve 150. Bearing sleeve 150 is positioned on threaded member 120, e.g., at second end portion 124 of threaded member 120. Bearing sleeve 150 is also positioned between threaded member 120 and casing 110, e.g., at second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and first opening 152 of casing 110. Bearing sleeve 150 may be mounted or fixed to casing 110 or elongated member 120.

Bearing sleeve 150 can reduce wear between casing 110 and threaded member 120. In particular, bearing sleeve 150 can limit or prevent elongated member 120 from contact or rubbing against casing 110, e.g., at second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and first opening 152 of casing 110, during motion of elongated member 120 relative to casing 110. For example, during opening or closing of doors 16, strike plate 102 and biasing member 142 can move first roller 130 and elongated member 120, e.g., along the vertical direction V, relative to casing 110. By positioning bearing sleeve 150 between threaded member 120 and casing 110, bearing sleeve 150 can limit or prevent elongated member 120 from contact or rubbing against casing 110 during motion of elongated member 120 relative to casing 110.

Casing 110 can be constructed of or with any suitable material. For example, casing 110 may be constructed of or with steel. Similarly, elongated member 120 can be constructed of or with any suitable material. For example, elongated member 120 may be constructed of or with steel. Bearing sleeve 150 can be constructed of a softer material than casing 110 and/or elongated member 120. For example, bearing sleeve 150 may be constructed of or with bronze.

Roller latch assembly 100 further includes a guard 146 mounted to casing 110. For example, guard 146 may be integrally mounted casing 110, e.g., such that guard 146 and a portion of casing 110 are formed from a single continuous piece of material, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As another example, guard 146 may be as separate component removably mounted casing 110, e.g., in order to permit easier access second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and nut 140.

Guard 146 at least partially encloses second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and nut 140, e.g., by extending away from top portion 114 of casing 110 past second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and nut 140 along the vertical direction V. Thus, guard 146 at least partially encloses or surrounds second end portion 124 of threaded member 120 and nut 140, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. In such a manner, guard 146 can assist with hindering or preventing wiring or other components of oven appliance 10 from becoming pinched between nut 140 and casing 110, rubbing against threaded member 120 or otherwise contacting moving components of roller latch assembly 100. Guard 146 can have any suitable shape. For example, guard 146 may be substantially u-shaped, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

FIG. 6 provides a section view of roller latch assembly 100. As may be seen in FIG. 6, second roller 132 is mounted to threaded member 120 and positioned within interior 112 of casing 110. Second roller 132 rolls on an inner surface 113 of casing 110, e.g., when threaded member 120 moves along the vertical direction V relative to casing 110. Second roller 132 can extend almost across a width of interior 112 of casing 110 in order to limit of prevent movement of first roller 130, e.g., perpendicularly to the vertical direction V, when first roller 130 impacts or engages strike plate 102.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of roller latch assembly 100. In FIG. 7, roller latch assembly 100 includes additional sound dampening features. For example, in FIG. 7, roller latch assembly 100 includes a grommet 160. Grommet 160 is positioned on threaded member 120, e.g., at second end portion 124 of threaded member 120, and is also disposed between casing 110 and nut 140. Grommet 160 may be constructed of a soft material, such as rubber. In such manner, grommet 160 can limit or hinder sound generation by roller latch assembly 100, e.g., due to metal on metal contact between casing 110 and nut 140.

Roller latch assembly 100 also includes dampening elements 162. Dampening elements 162 are positioned between casing 110 and cabinet 12 where casing 110 is mounted to cabinet 12. Dampening elements 162 may be constructed of a soft material, such as rubber. In such manner, dampening elements 162 can limit or hinder sound generation by roller latch assembly 100, e.g., due to metal on metal contact between casing 110 and cabinet 12 and/or by assisting with isolating roller latch assembly 100 from cabinet 12.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An oven appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a cooking chamber; a pair of doors mounted to the cabinet; a roller latch assembly comprising a casing; an elongated member at least partially positioned within the casing, the elongated member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; a roller mounted to the elongated member at the first end portion of the elongated member, the roller engaging one of the pair of doors or the cabinet when the pair of doors is in a closed position; a bearing sleeve positioned on the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member such that the bearing sleeve is positioned between the elongated member and the casing at the second end portion of the elongated member.
 2. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a strike plate mounted to the one of the pair of doors or the cabinet.
 3. The oven appliance of claim 2, wherein the strike plate is positioned below roller when the pair of doors is in the closed position.
 4. The oven appliance of claim 2, wherein the strike plate comprises a first material and the roller comprises a second material, the first material being harder than the second material.
 5. The oven appliance of claim 2, wherein the strike plate comprises stainless steel and the roller comprises bronze.
 6. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a guard mounted to the casing and a nut threaded onto the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member, the guard at least partially enclosing the second end portion of the elongated member and the nut.
 7. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein the guard is substantially u-shaped in a plane that is perpendicular to a vertical direction.
 8. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a nut threaded onto the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member, wherein a position of the nut on the elongated member is adjustable in order to change a vertical height of the roller.
 9. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a biasing member positioned within the casing, the biasing member urging the first end portion of the elongated member towards the one of the pair of doors or the cabinet when the pair of doors is in the closed position.
 10. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein the roller is a first roller, the oven appliance further comprising a second roller, the second roller mounted to the elongated member and positioned within the casing, the second roller rolling on an inner surface of the casing when the elongated member moves vertically.
 11. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a dampening element, the dampening element positioned between the casing and the cabinet where the casing is mounted to the cabinet or between the casing and the one of the pair of doors where the casing is mounted to the one of the pair of doors.
 12. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a grommet and a nut threaded onto the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member, the grommet positioned on the elongated member such that the grommet is disposed between the casing and the nut.
 13. An oven appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a cooking chamber; a pair of doors mounted to the cabinet; a roller latch assembly comprising a casing extending between a top portion and a bottom portion; a threaded member at least partially positioned within the casing, the threaded member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the threaded member positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the casing, the second end portion of the threaded member positioned adjacent the top portion of the casing; a roller mounted to the threaded member at the first end portion of the threaded member, the roller engaging one of the pair of doors or the cabinet when the pair of doors is in a closed position; a nut threaded onto the threaded member at the second end portion of the threaded member; and a guard mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing, the guard at least partially enclosing the second end portion of the threaded member and the nut.
 14. The oven appliance of claim 13, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a bearing sleeve positioned on the threaded member at the second end portion of the threaded member such that the bearing sleeve is positioned between the threaded member and the casing at the second end portion of the threaded member.
 15. The oven appliance of claim 13, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a strike plate mounted to the one of the pair of doors or the cabinet, the strike plate comprising a first material and the roller comprising a second material, the first material being harder than the second material.
 16. The oven appliance of claim 13, wherein the guard is substantially u-shaped in a plane that is perpendicular to a vertical direction.
 17. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a dampening element, the dampening element positioned between the casing and the cabinet where the casing is mounted to the cabinet or between the casing and the one of the pair of doors where the casing is mounted to the one of the pair of doors.
 18. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a grommet, the grommet positioned on the threaded member such that the grommet is disposed between the casing and the nut.
 19. An oven appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a cooking chamber; a pair of doors mounted to the cabinet; a roller latch assembly comprising a casing mounted to the cabinet or one of the pair of doors; a dampening element positioned between the casing and the cabinet where the casing is mounted to the cabinet or between the casing and one of the pair of doors where the casing is mounted to the one of the pair of doors; an elongated member at least partially positioned within the casing, the elongated member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; and a roller mounted to the elongated member at the first end portion of the elongated member, the roller engaging the one of the pair of doors or the cabinet when the pair of doors is in a closed position.
 20. The oven appliance of claim 19, wherein the roller latch assembly further comprises a bearing sleeve positioned on the elongated member at the second end portion of the elongated member such that the bearing sleeve is positioned between the elongated member and the casing at the second end portion of the elongated member. 